From new routes to major birthday deals, budget airlines across Southeast Asia are making travel dreams take flight this season. (Image by
Engin Yapici)
Southeast Asia’s budget airlines are turning up the heat this season with new routes, milestone celebrations, and unbeatable flight deals, which is perfect timing for travellers itching to explore more for less.
AirAsia X turns 18 with big birthday deals
Long-haul low-cost pioneer AirAsia X (AAX) is celebrating its 18th birthday in style with an anniversary sale, with fares starting from RM338 for travel until 30 November 2026. You can jet off to crowd favourites like Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney, or venture to new frontiers like Tashkent and Istanbul—all bookable via airasia.com or the AirAsia MOVE app.
To sweeten the deal, travellers who opt for the Value Pack—which bundles meals, insurance, seat selection, and more—will get an extra 18% off.
With recent expansions into Central Asia and Türkiye, AAX continues to cement its position as the go-to carrier for affordable, medium-haul travel.
Vietjet expands horizons with Kuala Lumpur–Da Nang route
Image by Ling Tang
Vietjet is making it even easier for Malaysians to explore Central Vietnam, thanks to its brand-new direct flights between Kuala Lumpur and Da Nang. The daily service gives travellers a smooth gateway to Da Nang’s stunning beaches, ancient temples, and legendary street food. It also boosts Vietjet’s Malaysia–Vietnam connections to three routes, alongside its existing flights from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Kuala Lumpur.
To celebrate, Vietjet is offering promotional fares from just RM166 all-in one-way, available every Friday on their website and the Vietjet app.
Scoot lands in Kota Bharu
Image by Firdaus Roslan
Rounding out the travel news, Scoot, the low-cost arm of Singapore Airlines, has officially touched down in Kota Bharu. Starting 26 October 2025, the airline operates twice-weekly flights between Kota Bharu and Singapore aboard its Embraer E190-E2 aircraft—a 112-seater jet known for its comfort, quiet engines, and sleek 2-2 seat layout.
This makes Kota Bharu Scoot’s 12th destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Kuching, and Langkawi.
Fares start from MYR125 one way, taxes included, and are available through flyscoot.com and other booking platforms.
